"Words that Shook the World" celebrates over 40 of the most extraordinary speeches of the last 100 years. Illustrated with dramatic black-and-white photographs, the book sets each of the speeches and speakers within a historical context that includes timelines and contemporary press commentary. In addition, readers are brought inside every paragraph of 20 of these magical speeches to discover what has made these words so powerful. And, best of all, two audio CDs reveal the passion of many of these extraordinary individuals as they faced their audiences, opened their hearts, and spoke "Words that Shook the World."
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
"Men since the beginning of time have sought peace... all in turn have failed, leaving the only path to be by way of the crucible of war.... If we do not now devise some greater and more equitable system, Armageddon will be at our door," warned General Douglas MacArthur in his legendary 1945 radio address after the surrender of Japan. His and other great speeches of the past century by the likes of Eleanor Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, Princess Diana and others are reprinted (with some abridgment) in Words That Shook the World: 100 Years of Unforgettable Speeches and Events. Editor Richard Greene, a speech analyst and consultant, offers blow-by-blow analysis next to each paragraph of the speeches, explaining what it is about the rhythm and diction of the sentences that makes them so effective. Two accompanying audio CDs offer original sound clips.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Review
This fascinating book helps restore great speeches to their central place in our understanding of history. -- Jonathon Alter, Senior Editor, Columnist, Newsweek
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
15 of 16 people found the following review helpful
By Nadia Fay
Format:Hardcover
Oh my goodness. What an inspiration!
With all of the negative things in politics and the news today what a wonderful refuge and inspiration to read about and read the words of these amazing men and women, and to hear them in their own voices.
I never knew about Teddy Roosevelt's environmental speech way back in 1903, loved reading the entire "luckiest man" speech by Lou Gehrig, the entire "only thing to fear is fear itself" speech by FDR and the magical words of Einstein. Who knew that he could write and speak that brilliantly.
But my favorites were Barbara Jordan, who sent chills down my spine with her amazing voice and, of course, reading the entire "I Have A Dream" speech with Mr. Greene's analysis of every paragraph. I knew it was great but, with this insight into WHY it was great it has become even more amazing to me.
If only leaders spoke today, and lead today, like the leaders in this book!!
25 of 29 people found the following review helpful
By Nick Morgan
Format:Hardcover
I've been a speech coach, writer and teacher for 18 years, and there are many times in the past when I've wished I've had something like this book -- to use with clients, to quote from, to inspire students. All the greatest speeches of the last century are here, and they deserve study. To have many of them on a cd just adds to the usefulness of the book. You can hear the magnificent cadences of speakers like Kennedy and King, Jr and learn how it's done. For all those who give presentations or speeches -- or for anyone who cares about great rhetoric and moments when the world was changed by the collision of words and passion -- this book is a must-have.
28 of 35 people found the following review helpful
By Linda A.
Format:Hardcover
What a joke. I could have put together those speeches by going on-line but purchased the book since it had a CD of the speeches. The historical notes are very helpful but not as complete as would be expected. Also, in so far as the CD , it does not say they are excerpts on the cover of my book. Not anywhere! I sat down with my kids on Martin Luther King's birthday to listen to his "I have a dream" speech only to find that the CD contains less than 1 minute, barely 35 or so seconds of Dr. King's voice. What a disappointment it was. I had put so much emphasis on that day, history lesson and all and the final climax was to be an after-dinner family event to listen to Dr. King's unforgettable speech in his own voice. The same holds true about all the other speeches, they are excerpts. You would think that for the cost all the speeches would be complete. The cost cannot be much more, you already have had to have permission to do the excerpt. Like I said, you can listen to all of these on-line, complete. How very sad that the author believes we would rather listen to his voice introducing these great icons of our past rather than the actual historical figure's voice.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent Book
The book has some of the most important people who gave famous speeches these past 100 years. The author does an excellent job describing and analyzing each of the speeches. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Niceperson
5.0 out of 5 stars
Words That Shook the World
I teach an AP English Language course and this book is extremely helpful. The author has included entire speeches and has analyzed them, pointing what makes these speeches... Read more
Published on January 29, 2011 by Mrs. P
4.0 out of 5 stars
Step back into history
Richard Greene does an excellent job presenting the historical context of these important 20th century speeches and then provides a blow-by-blow analysis of what makes them great. Read more
Published on December 29, 2003 by Chris Sandvig
1.0 out of 5 stars
Poor selection
I wouldn't touch a book that lists a speech delivered as an eulogy for Princess Diana as a something that 'shook the world'. Read more
Published on December 9, 2003
1.0 out of 5 stars
on second thought
I was going to read this book, that is until I saw that Princess Diana was included as one of the "epic speeches that shook the world". Give me a break!
Published on March 24, 2003
5.0 out of 5 stars
A MUST READ - A MUST HEAR
I can't think of a better book to give or receive. A must in everyones' library.
As we hear and read the brilliance and power of the twenty-one speeches they become more... Read more
As we hear and read the brilliance and power of the twenty-one speeches they become more... Read more
Published on October 29, 2002
5.0 out of 5 stars
Extraordinary Speeches, Extraordinary Book
This book is fantastic... Richard Greene does an excellent job of shedding light on these historic speeches without ever losing the reader's attention. Read more
Published on October 21, 2002 by Lauren
5.0 out of 5 stars
Poignant history. You can hear it.
Editorial content and writing much above average. Pictures add to impact. Must have been a challenge to select these speechs over some others. Read more
Published on October 12, 2002
5.0 out of 5 stars
Thought-provoking storytelling!
Wow! The words really did shake me...A brilliant, "user-friendly" read. Could not put this book down! Read more
Published on September 27, 2002 by susan hornik
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